TOLLS, VIGNETTES AND LEZs NEED TO KNOW

Regular columnist and our favourite podcaster Motorhome Matt Sims guides us through Europe's road networks and their restrictions

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Picture this: you're cruising on a sun-kissed French autoroute, the road ahead open and inviting, when suddenly you approach a toll booth that you didn't expect.

Or maybe you've just driven into a charming old town in Italy, only to be greeted by a surprise fine on your doormat a few weeks later.

These little hiccups can take the shine off any European motorhome adventure. With Europe's network of toll roads, vignettes and increasingly strict low emission zones (LEZs), it's easier than ever to get caught out. But with a bit of planning, you can avoid the pitfalls and keep your travels smooth and stress-free. Here's what you need to know before you go.

Toll roads: the cost of convenience

Many European countries use tolls to fund their excellent motorway networks. In France, Spain, Italy and Portugal, you'll find autoroutes, autopistas, autostradas and autoestradas with toll booths.

These often charge by distance, vehicle size and sometimes weight, so a big motorhome over 3.5t might pay more than a standard car. Payment is usually easy: most tolls accept cash, credit cards and even contactless payments.

For regular travellers, France offers télépéage (electronic toll tags), which allow you to glide through dedicated lanes without stopping. Spain and Portugal operate similar systems, although coverage can be a bit patchy.

'Payment is usually easy: most tolls accept cash, credit cards and even contactless payments'